One of our main focuses this October is raising awareness about breast cancer. Early detection is crucial for successfully combating this disease. Our team is particularly passionate about this cause, as one of our members is a courageous breast cancer survivor. Her story serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration to all of us.
One of our main focuses this October is raising awareness about breast cancer. Early detection is crucial for successfully combating this disease. Our team is particularly passionate about this cause, as one of our members is a courageous breast cancer survivor. Her story serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration to all of us – Hanle’s story to follow in a separate Blog post.
When breast cancer is detected early and is in the localised stage, the 5-year relative survival rate is 99%.
Early detection means finding cancer before it spreads. While breast cancer cannot usually be prevented, early detection gives the best chance for successful treatment. This includes performing monthly breast self-exams and scheduling regular clinical exams and mammograms. By following the three steps outlined in this guide, you can increase your chances of detecting breast cancer early.
1. BREAST SELF-AWARENESS
The first step in practicing early detection is developing breast self-awareness. Knowing how your breasts normally look and feel, also called breast self-awareness, will help you identify any changes or abnormalities in your breasts that should be reported to your doctor promptly. You should know the geography of your breasts better than anyone.2. WELL WOMAN EXAM It is recommended that women visit their family physician and/or gynaecologist each year for a well-woman exam. In addition to a routine pelvic exam and pap smear, the doctor may perform a brief breast exam to check for abnormalities. This breast exam is commonly called a clinical breast exam.
The well-woman exam is a great opportunity for you to discuss with your doctor any questions or concerns you have regarding your breast health. For example, your doctor may help you determine the most appropriate personalised frequency for your early detection steps, such as how often and when you should receive a mammogram and/or other types of breast imaging studies, such as an ultrasound or breast MRI.3. MAMMOGRAM A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast. It is a safe way to detect cancerous tumours and other abnormal breast conditions, oftentimes before any symptoms appear. Mammograms can detect cancer or other problems before a lump becomes large enough to be detected by touch. They provide an effective way to find breast cancer in its early stages when treatment is usually the most successful. Mammograms are considered safe, quick, and relatively painless. Women who have screening mammograms have a lower chance of dying from breast cancer than women who do not have screening mammograms.